REVIEW: Puss in Boots 3D

MOVIE
Puss in Boots

CAST
Antonio Banderas,
Salma Hayek

RATING
PG

RELEASE
October 28, 2011

DIRECTOR
Chris Miller

STUDIO(S)
DreamWorks Animation,
Paramount Pictures

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 30 minutes



STARS
****











REVIEW:


'Shrek 2' was not only one of the best animated sequels ever, but it was also the introduction of one of the most popular animated felines ever, Puss in Boots. Now because the 'Shrek' series has been beaten to a pulp, DreamWorks has decided to take Puss in Boots and put him in the spotlight for once. The title of the film, of course, is 'Puss in Boots,' and he may just be the cutest and most vibrant cat to ever be put on film, or in this case 3D. DreamWorks has really amped up its game, which started with last March's highly successful 'How To Train Your Dragon.' Since then, crude humor and bathroom jokes weren't the sole focus of the jokes in their films. Sure there might be one or two, but for now it's all about the heart. 'Puss in Boots' has some heart, some bathroom jokes, and a whole lot of perfect comedic timing. Many will not realize that this movie is really a prequel to the 'Shrek' series, or at least 'Shrek 2,' so it gives the filmmakers the chance to explore the fairy tale world, this time giving us characters as Jack & Jill and Humpty Dumpty. Kids will enjoy 'Puss in Boots,' but parents may enjoy it much more so. The film has a lot of jokes that will go over many kids heads, which is a given being we get adult humor in a movie about a Mexican cat. 'Kung Fu Panda 2' opened up earlier this year and it was great, though despite the lack of a lot of heart and more crude jokes, 'Puss in Boots' is the more enjoyable one. If there is one perfect 3D movie to come out before Disney and Spielberg jump onto the American scene, that movie would be 'Puss in Boots.'


Imagine all of these fairy tale creatures trying to look for one specific thing in order to become rich. What would they look for? They'd probably be looking for the Golden Eggs from the Golden Goose up the beanstalk thanks to three magic beans. Thank you Jack for giving us the story of the beanstalk, in case you didn't quite catch on to that. Basically it's Puss, Humpty, Kitty Softpaws, and Jack & Jill in a race against time in order to get up the beanstalk and retrieve the magical golden goose so they can live in rich heaven forever. Pretty sweet, right? DreamWorks has always a master at giving the audience a vibrant story and spectacular 3D. Ever since they jumped onto the 3D wagon with 2009's 'Monsters vs. Aliens,' their picture quality and scale has grown so large, with 3D adding an awesome sense of depth that makes you feel like you can touch the beautiful worlds that they create. Aside from 'Kung Fu Panda 2' and 'Harry Potter,' this is some of the best 3D use I've seen all year. If you have the choice on the format to check the movie out in, I'd highly suggest paying the extra $3-$5 that it will take to buy a 3D ticket. How many movies have I said that in all year?

With every awesome animated movie, you have to have a great cast in order to fully execute the epicness of a 3D kids flick. 'Puss in Boots' of course follows that trend. Antonio Banderas reprises the role in this prequel, and he is amazing for what the role requires. He's basically taking his role of "Zorro" and putting that into the most adorable cat ever put on a 3D screen. He has some of the movie's best lines, and he's just downright hilarious in the role. Salma Hayek is also in it, and she's good for what she's required to play. You also have Billy Bob Thorton and Amy Sedaris as the butch, ass kicking beasts that are Jack and Jill. They are just plain awesome, which in itself rocks because they're great actors. However as much as all of these characters are great, there is one who is the clear show stealer. That, my bloggers, is Zach Galifanakis putting his voice into Humpty Dumpty, the anti-hero of the story. Whenever something would come out of Dumpty's mouth, I would almost instantaneously burst out laughing, because he had some of the best lines in any animated film this year. There was one scene in the movie where Humpty is trying to literally talk to the three magic beans and once that started, I couldn't help but LOL. I actually think I might have been the only one laughing, just saying. Not even Banderas can keep up with the comedic awesomeness that is Zach Galifanakis. Who knows where he would be if 'The Hangover' was never made.

In terms of quality animated movies this year, DreamWorks seems to be the clear winner for the year. Sure 'Cars 2' was enjoyable and 'Winnie the Pooh' was fantastic, but DreamWorks had a great sequel this summer, and now a fun prequel that could even be considered to be better than the original 'Shrek' movies that started it all. There is an awesome cast, hilarious jokes, some heart, and spectacular 3D. Could we really ask for much more in a family movie? If 'The Muppets,' 'Happy Feet Two,' and/or 'The Adventures of Tintin' turn out to be lackluster kids flicks, then 'Puss in Boots' may be the best family movie of the fall/winter season. My four star grade may be steep for this type of film, but you're not supposed to take anything in this film seriously. Just hop into a theater seat, put on your ridiculous 3D glasses, and enjoy the ride. Adults will enjoy this movie as much, maybe even more than little kids who just came to see a cute little kitty. Well kids, Puss is not just a cute kitty, he is a ruthless legendary warrior who has sworn to protect the innocent. Come on, how cool is that? Why are you still reading this? Take your family and see 'Puss in Boots,' or else you'll be missing out on a truly fun 3D adventure!





 

PREVIEWS YOU MAY SEE:

Happy Feet Two

Hugo

Arthur Christmas

The Adventures of Tintin

The Secret World of Arrietty

The Lorax